Russian Forces Kill Civilians, Loot for Supplies in Occupied Ukraine, Residents Say
https://www.wsj.com/articles/russian-forces-kill-civilians-loot-for-supplies-in-occupied-ukraine-residents-say-11647267560
Russian Forces Kill Civilians, Loot for Supplies in Occupied Ukraine, Residents Say
Moscow detains elected officials, looks for pro-Russian collaborators as protests continue
By Yaroslav Trofimov and James Marson
Updated March 14, 2022 10:22 am ET
ZAPORIZHZHIA, Ukraine Russian forces are killing civilians and looting stores and homes across occupied parts of southern Ukraine, residents said, as Moscow arrested elected local leaders and sought to replace them with pro-Russian collaborators.
People arriving here from Russian-held areas over the weekend described hungry and undisciplined Russian troops shooting unarmed villagers, breaking into supermarkets and shops, and raiding homes in search of food and valuables as their own supply lines have failed.
They just brazenly come in, without any shame, and take whatever they want, said Valentyna Khodus, 64, who came to Zaporizhzhia from the small village of Myrne after days hiding in the cellar with her daughter and grandson as Russian troops went door to door ransacking houses.
Two neighbors who were driving a car with a Ukrainian flag were shot and killed by a Russian patrol last week, she said. Its still there, on the roadside, and their bodies are still inside, Ms. Khodus said.
In a call with the United Nations secretary-general on March 4, Russian Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu said, The Russian army is not threatening civilians, it does not open fire at civilian facilities and observes international humanitarian law, according to the ministry.